Fennec fox

The fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) is a small fox that lives in sandy deserts. It lives in the Sahara (in northern Africa) and the northern part of Saudi Arabia. Foxes are in the family Canidae.^[1] Canidae also includes dogs, wolves, and coyotes.^[1]

Fennec fox
A fennec fox to Wilhelma Zoo, Germany
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Canidae
Genus:	Vulpes
Species:	V. zerda
Binomial name
Vulpes zerda (Zimmermann, 1780)
Natural range shown in red

This fox is agile. It has huge ears and very large eyes. The large ears help the fox lose excess heat. They also help it hear its prey from a long distance away. The fennec fox has hairy feet that protect it from the hot sand.

The fennec fox is nocturnal (most active at night). It rests during the day in a burrow in the sand. It lives in groups of up to 10 animals. It marks its territory with urine. Its life span is 10 to 12 years in the wild, and 10-14 years in captivity.

Fennec foxes can reproduce at the age of about 9 months.

Physical traits

Fennec foxes have large ears and a sandy-white coat.

These foxes are small. The head and body can range from 34 to 41 centimetres (13 to 16 inches). They weigh between 0.9–1.4 kilograms (2.0–3.1 pounds). Fennec foxes are famous for their large ears which can reach up to 15 centimetres (5.9 inches) or longer. Their tails can be between 18 to 31 centimetres (7.1 to 12.2 inches) long. Most of the time, their fur is a sandy-white color.

Diet

Fennec foxes eat small prey animals, insects, and fruits. Small prey include rodents, such as mice. Sometimes they will eat reptiles.^[1] They do not need water as often since they can get it from their food.^[2]

Vulpes zerda